Australia Women outplayed India in 1st ODI , Mooney shines

 

Fresh from their T20 series triumph, the Indian women’s team endured a disappointing start to the ODI series, going down by six wickets to Australia in the opening match of the three-game contest in Brisbane. Despite posting a modest 214 after opting to bat first, the world champions failed to defend the total as Alyssa Healy’s side chased it down comfortably, reaching 217 for 4 in just 38.2 overs. Adding to India’s worries, captain Harmanpreet Kaur sustained a knee injury that could become a major concern for the visitors.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat on the Brisbane pitch, India’s innings got off to a shaky and fragile start against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Pratika Rawal (0), Shafali Verma (4), and Jemimah Rodrigues (8) falling cheaply in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 52 for 3.

In the midst of the early collapse, Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a composed and responsible partnership. Mandhana, opening the innings, crafted a fluent 58 off 68 balls, laced with seven elegant boundaries, while Harmanpreet contributed a gritty 53 off 84 balls, striking three fours. Their 48-run stand for the fourth wicket briefly revived India’s hopes before another setback followed with Deepti Sharma’s dismissal for just 2.

The middle and lower order then showed resilience to push India to a competitive total. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh played a steady knock of 23 off 38 balls, hitting two boundaries, while all-rounder Kashvee Gautam injected much-needed momentum with an aggressive 43 off 44 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes, helping India reach 214.

For Australia, Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets for 33 runs. Megan Schutt provided excellent support with two wickets for 42, while Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux chipped in with a wicket each to maintain relentless pressure throughout the innings.

Chasing 215, Australia approached the target with authority and composure. Openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield laid a solid foundation with a confident start. Healy struck a brisk 50 off 70 balls, including four boundaries, while Litchfield added a stylish 32 off 32 deliveries with six fours. Although Georgia Voll departed for a duck, the chase never lost momentum.

Beth Mooney then anchored the innings with a classy and assured 76 off 79 balls, decorated with five fours and two sixes, effectively steering Australia towards victory. Annabel Sutherland complemented her brilliantly with an unbeaten 48 off 44 balls, hitting four fours and a six, while Gardner remained unbeaten on 5 as Australia sealed the win with ease.

India’s bowling unit struggled to create sustained pressure, failing to trouble the Australian batters for long phases of the chase. Shri Charani picked up two wickets for 41, while Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma managed one wicket each, but the overall attack lacked penetration and control.

The defeat was further overshadowed by a worrying injury to Harmanpreet Kaur, who hurt her left knee while batting and did not return to the field during Australia’s innings. Smriti Mandhana led the side in her absence, while the team’s medical staff are closely monitoring the captain’s condition. No official update on the severity of the injury has been released yet, leaving India anxious ahead of the remaining matches in the series.